NFL Player News

Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Saturday that he expects Achane (ribs) to play against the Steelers on Monday, C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald reports.

Achane was a limited practice participant Thursday and Friday while donning a red non-contact jersey in both sessions. Per Hal Habib of The Palm Beach Post, Achane is testing out different forms of equipment to protect his ribs, and while Saturday's injury report has yet to come out, the expectation is that the third-year running back suits up for Monday night's game. If Achane is unable to play or operates on a snap count, then Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon would be in line for expanded roles out of the backfield.

The Patriots are set to place Jennings (concussion) on injured reserve, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Jennings entered the league's concussion protocol following the Patriots' Week 13 win over the Giants. Even with the Week 14 bye, Jennings wasn't cleared to return to practice this past week before being ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bills. His concussion is severe enough for him to warrant a multi-game absence, and with just four regular-season games left, Jennings won't be eligible to return until the playoffs, as the Patriots are nearly a lock to get in. D'Ernest Johnson was elevated from the practice squad Friday, and Rapoport relays that the veteran running back will be signed to the active roster in Jennings' absence.

There is optimism in the Bears organization that Odunze (foot) will be available to play against the Browns on Sunday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Odunze did not play against the Packers in Week 14 due to a foot injury. He earned the questionable tag for Sunday's game after failing to log a full practice during Week 15 prep, but it appears the second-year wideout is on track to return against Cleveland. Odunze's official status may not be known until the Bears announce their list approximately 90 minutes before the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff, which would give fantasy managers time to explore their options in case the 2024 first-rounder is not cleared to suit up. DJ Moore, rookie second-rounder Luther Burden, Olamide Zaccheaus and tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet would all be slated for more targets from quarterback Caleb Williams in the event that Odunze doesn't play.

Culp brought in his only target for a six-yard touchdown in the Buccaneers' 29-28 loss to the Falcons on Thursday night.

Culp was able to crack the stat sheet for the first time all season, making his one catch count via a six-yard score just past the midway point of the third quarter. He had a solid preseason and entered the 2025 campaign with expectations of a more prominent role behind Cade Otton (knee), but it took the latter's first absence of the season Thursday for Culp to finally get on the board while playing a season-high 20 snaps.

Shepard didn't log any snaps during the Buccaneers' 29-28 loss to the Falcons on Thursday night.

Shepard was active for the contest, but with Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan available and the rest of the Buccaneers' receiving corps also healthy, the veteran wideout failed to see the field for the first time all season. With Tez Johnson running ahead of Shepard at the moment, the latter is a fantasy non-factor.

Johnson failed to bring in his only target in the Buccaneers' 29-28 loss to the Falcons on Thursday night.

Johnson saw both Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan return to the field Thursday, making it wholly unsurprising the rookie was limited to just one target and logged his lowest snap count (15) since his Week 1 NFL debut. Johnson was unable to convert that single look into a catch, making it two straight games without a reception. Provided the Buccaneers' receiving corps remains at full strength for the team's remaining three regular-season games, Johnson figures to be a fantasy afterthought.

Lewis (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Lewis was absent for the Colts' Week 14 loss, but he progressively increased his practice involvement ahead of Sunday's game against Seattle. He upgraded to a full session Friday but will remain questionable for the time being.

Gray reverted to the Buccaneers' practice squad Friday.

Gray was elevated and active for the second time this season for Thursday's loss to the Falcons. He played exclusively on special teams and managed one tackle.

Rourke (knee) is out for Sunday's game versus the Titans, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Rourke will have to wait at least one more week to suit up for his first NFL game as he continues to recover from the torn ACL he suffered in his final year at Indiana. Mac Jones should continue to serve as San Francisco's top option at backup quarterback behind starter Brock Purdy.

Campbell (ankle) logged a limited practice Friday, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Campbell hurt his ankle and knee in Miami's win over the Jets in Week 14. After being sidelined Thursday, he managed to log a limited session Friday, and he is trending positively toward being available Monday against the Steelers.